I have been reading, researching having WLS and came across this forum. I knew I was interested in WLS in Jan. ’06; I visited my PCPat Northwestern Mem. Hosp. on my birthday in Jan. '06 - she told me to purchase a rice cooker and to cut back. I joined WW {again} in March, ’06 - lost approx. 20 lbs. & here I am again in Jan. ’07 with more weight than I had this time last year. This happens every year – diet/lose/gain +.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>

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I have my first appt. with Dr. Robert Kushner at Northwestern’s Wellness Group 01/30/07. I’ve read a lot about his WL approaches; he’s written a book on WL - his Northwestern profile list his areas of interests as: Nutrition/Diet Counseling, Obesity, Weight Loss/Management. They have sent me paperwork to turn in for my initial visit. They ask you to ensure your Insurance will cover visits w/Registered Dietician & Health Psycologists. The receptionists says I'll have to attend 4 classes (1 month apart).<o:p></o:p>

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I began an excel spreadsheet listing all weight loss attempts since 2000. This is my first time being at 40 BMI, therefore, I won’t have medical documentation to show 5 yrs of 40 BMI. Almost all previous doctor’s appt., have recorded the times after I’ve lost weight. I’ve never been under a supervised diet. I began this week documenting EVERYTHING I can remember & will from this point on, because I have a fear of dealing with my Aetna Open Access HMO. Since 2000, I’ve been on slim fast, medifast, WW x2, south beach, nutrisystem. I know HOW to lose weight… haven’t learned how to keep it off. So, if things don’t work out with getting approval for WLS {I’ll be completed crushed}, yet I’ll be ready to work with the Wellness Center on to assist me w/losing & learning to keep it off (hopefully).<o:p></o:p>

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Currently, I’m not diagnosed with anything. I’ve had a hysto surgery in 2000; Vag. Prolapse surgery in 2004 & hemmie surgery in 2006. I snore so loud that I wake myself up – so, I wouldn’t be surprised if I actually have sleep apnea. Both my sisters have been are diagnosed. <o:p></o:p>

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Please wish me luck and give me any / all advice possible. Thank you

Hi There. Welcome and good luck with your jouney!

Under the local threads there is a chicago friends thread. We're meeting for lunch in february if you'd like to join us.